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Manchester City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain could be heading for a disaster as Barcelona eye up a swoop for Ilkay Gundogan.

What’s the talk?

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Ilkay Gundogan is a target for Barcelona heading into the summer transfer window as Ronald Koeman looks to improve his squad. The report claims that Barcelona have a good relationship with Manchester City and that the Premier League side could be open to cashing in on both Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus should the right deals arrive in the coming months.

Barcelona have already added two players from City to their ranks. Sergio Aguero has agreed to join the Spanish giants upon the expiry of his Manchester City contract at the end of the month, as has Eric Garcia and Koeman is now looking to reunite the pair with Gundogan at the Camp Nou.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola lauded Gundogan as one of the most “intelligent” players he has ever worked with in his career. He told GOAL:

“He’s always had a sense of [where the] goal [is], playing for [Borussia] Dortmund.

“He’s an incredibly nice guy. He’s one of the… I will never forget the time we spent together. As a player he is one of the most intelligent, wisest players I have ever trained, I have ever seen.

“This season, every time he has arrived near the goal, he has scored the goal, he has this quality but not just that. I’m so delighted with the performance from Ilkay again and from all of the team.”

Heading for a disaster

Begiristain is heading for a disaster if he even considers selling Gundogan to Barcelona this summer. The report states that City could open the door to Barcelona to sign Gundogan, but they should be slamming that door shut, locking it and throwing away the key. City should not even be entertaining the possibility of Gundogan leaving The Etihad in the coming months and should be telling Barcelona to look elsewhere for midfield recruits.

Gundogan is a crucial player in City’s team as he elevated himself to a new level during the 2020/21 campaign. The midfielder was City’s top scorer in the Premier League with 13 goals, seven more than any of the tallies he managed in his first four seasons with the club. Given that Aguero is already leaving the club at the end of the month, Guardiola cannot afford to lose another of his biggest contributors in terms of goals and that is why Gundogan needs to remain at the club.

The £140k-per-week German ace averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.29 in the Premier League. Only Joao Cancelo, Riyad Mahrez and Kevin de Bruyne averaged higher scores than Gundogan, again highlighting his importance to Guardiola and City.

This emphasises the point that City should not be, in any way shape or form, open to allowing Barcelona to sign Gundogan this summer and, instead, they should be doing all they can to keep him ahead of next season.

AND in other news, Man City dealt huge transfer blow with £90m-rated beast, Pep dubbed him “world class”…

Eddie Howe has been handed a huge behind-the-scenes boost over Newcastle full-back Kieran Trippier’s recovery from injury…

What’s the latest?

The Toon defender has been out of action since February and is now taking steps forward towards making his return to the first-team squad before the end of the season.

Journalist Miles Starford Tweeted: “Kieran Trippier close to injury ‘handover’.”

This Tweet was in relation to Howe’s comments on the defender’s current situation. Speaking about Callum Wilson and Trippier, the head coach said: “They’ll definitely be stepping it up.

“I don’t think they’ll be with us at all, so they won’t train with the group. There will be a handover period for Kieran, I think, where he’ll go with our sports science guys.”That might happen at some stage soon. It’s not happened yet. Both players are still with physiotherapists.” Howe will be buzzing

Howe will surely be buzzing with Trippier’s recovery and the pace at which he is going through it. These comments suggest that he is making good progress and stepping up the work that he is doing at Darsley Park to get himself back in contention to play in the Premier League.

The Toon boss will be keen to see him back out on the pitch in the coming weeks to make sure that he heads into the summer with a good base of fitness under his belt.

If he fails to play any minutes before the end of the campaign then that will mean that he will have gone around six months without competitive minutes by the start of 2022/23 and that is not an ideal way to start a season. Therefore, getting him back in for the last few matches would be a big boost ahead of the summer.

Howe will also be delighted with his return to action because of the quality he has on the pitch. In the top-flight this term, he has scored two goals in four matches and made a whopping 6.0 tackles and interceptions per game from right-back since joining from Atletico Madrid.

The England international has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.67 for the Magpies so far and this is why the head coach will be keen to have him back in the squad. He is a joy to watch with his sublime performances in defence, as he was able to showcase his attacking and defensive quality prior to his injury against Villa.

AND in other news, NUFC could finally axe shocking £80k-p/w flop with “insane” £40m “star in the making”…

Celtic’s season has been one full of misery. The Hoops have lost their grasp on the title and they will finish the campaign without a single trophy.

If the Bhoys’ campaign wasn’t already dismal enough, they were absolutely torn apart and demolished by their biggest rivals Rangers on Sunday evening.

For the fourth time this season, Celtic fell short in the Old Firm as they were battered and bruised in a 4-1 defeat at Ibrox.

John Kennedy failed to motivate a side that were boosted by the return of James Forrest in what was an embarrassing performance, one that summed up why a new manager can’t be hired quick enough.

Unfortunately, it also demonstrated why the exit of Scott Brown is long overdue.

The midfielder is heading for Aberdeen as a player-coach at the end of the season and after his performance on Sunday, it will be a timely departure.

After all, Brown hasn’t been at the races for a while now and his legs look to have let him down. He is slow, sluggish and is letting players glide past him as though he isn’t even there.

Put sentimentality to one side and it’s difficult to see why the 35-year-old is even in the team. He was dragged off on the hour mark against Rangers this weekend, having had fewer touches (26) of the ball than goalkeeper Scott Bain (51). He also lost a massive 71% of his duels.

There were several occasions where Brown was horrendously beaten in their drubbing at Ibrox. He committed as many as three fouls, bringing down Ryan Kent on two occasions in the first half and also bringing down Joe Aribo in a reckless fashion.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/celtic-manager-transfers-eddie-howe-jesse-marsch-ryan-christie-siriki-dembele” title=”Read the latest Celtic managerial updates, transfer news, rumours and gossip!”]

He was beaten all ends up by Ryan Kent who made the veteran look like a player who no longer belonged at the top. For his role in the defensive phases of play, ACSOM host Paul John Dykes said he was “absolutely skinned.”

It’s rare Brown lets the opposition get the better of him in physical battles but it said a lot about how his game has dwindled that he only won two tackles in this weekend’s Old Firm. He was specifically at fault for Rangers’ second goal.

He stood off Alfredo Morelos who then nutmegged the Scot and fired a devastating effort into the roof of the net.

Speaking at full time, Dykes launched a scathing assault on the player: “He shouldn’t have been anywhere near the pitch and he shouldn’t have been anywhere near the pitch for the last few months.”

Dykes added: “All season, he’s been way off it.”

This game was the tip of the iceberg for Brown as he also could have done more to prevent Kemar Roofe’s towering header. The Scotland international was caught ball watching which allowed the striker to race into the penalty box completely unopposed.

Sadly, he has put in lacklustre performances like this for the vast majority of the campaign; it must be time for Ismaila Soro to get a run of matches.

AND in other news, Lennon will have every right to be fuming with Desmond after big Celtic manager update…

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl made a transfer claim earlier this week which will surely come as a relief to the majority of Saints fans ahead of the new Premier League season.

What’s the word?

After a shocking second half of the 2020/21 campaign, Southampton fans will undoubtedly have wanted to see their squad strengthened in the summer transfer window, with a lack of squad depth a real issue for the Austrian last season.

However, with only two weeks until the opening game against Everton at Goodison Park, Southampton have added just one new player to their senior squad, with French left-back Romain Perraud arriving as a direct replacement for Ryan Bertrand, which suggests that they are not much stronger than they were last season.

Theo Walcott has been added on a permanent basis after spending the 2020/21 campaign on loan, whilst Dynel Simeu has joined Southampton’s academy from Chelsea, but neither of these signings appear particularly inspired.

Fortunately for Southampton, Hasenhuttl spoke about squad depth earlier this week and assured fans that he would be adding new players before the end of the window, saying: “We will definitely get a few more [players] in at full-back, also maybe a six (defensive midfielder) and a centre-back.

“The market is now getting a little bit hotter. We have our fingers in the market but we must wait until the right moment.

“We are clear that we need more players than last season.”

Where do Southampton need to strengthen?

As the Austrian suggests, full-back is currently an area in which Southampton appear particularly weak. Perraud is the only natural left-back at the club after Jake Vokins joined Ross County on loan, whilst Yan Valery’s performances in recent seasons suggest that he is far from the ideal understudy to Kyle Walker-Peters at right-back.

Brandon Williams is someone who can play on either side and has been heavily linked with a loan move to the Saints, but Manchester United’s asking price and his wages are currently proving to be sticking points in any deal.

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However, Hasenhuttl seems confident that more signings will be made before the end of the window, which will hopefully dispel any Southampton fans’ fears about relegation next year and offer some relief following the tame end to 2020/21 and quiet summer thus far.

In other news… Hasenhuttl dealt potential blow over “outstanding” beast

West Ham United have been dealt another crushing transfer blow…

What’s the word?

The Irons had been linked with a move for Chelsea centre-back Kurt Zouma. Sky Sports reported last week that they held talks over a potential deal and that the Frenchman would even welcome a switch to the London Stadium.

However, that does not appear to be the case anymore as an ever-reliable source provided a devastating update on their pursuit.

According to ExWHUemployee, Zouma has rejected the chance to join the Hammers and at the moment, that move is off. He tweeted:

“He turned us down today. What a few people on a popular forum don’t understand is that things can change almost hourly. It’s off at the moment.”

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano then provided some further information, claiming: “West Ham already focusing on other centre backs…”

Another setback

This will come as a major blow to David Moyes, who must be desperate to bolster his playing squad ahead of the new season, which gets underway in just over a week’s time.

The Scotsman did the unthinkable last season by transforming the East London outfit from relegation candidates into European contenders and their sixth-place finish has earned them a spot in the Europa League.

That means two matches per week and the potential of a 50-plus game campaign is a real possibility but right now, the Irons do not have the strength in depth to remain competitive across all competitions.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-the-latest-gossip-and-more” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and much more!”]

Leaving their business this late has certainly come back to haunt them, although it’s not as if players are very keen to join the London Stadium.

Zouma is merely the latest name to turn down the club.

It’s thought that neither of Moyes’ top summer targets, Jesse Lingard and Tammy Abraham, want to sign for West Ham, whilst fellow striker target Danny Ings has recently joined Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

Similarly, it seems as if West Brom playmaker Matheus Pereira will join Saudi side Al-Hilal instead.

The Hammers have made just one senior signing, goalkeeper Alphonse Areola from Paris Saint-Germain, which is among the lowest in the division so far and with kick-off against Newcastle United approaching, this is a massive cause for concern.

Of course, they have the remainder of the month to sign players but as the season begins, it leaves any new addition with little time to adapt and learn Moyes’ tactics.

Furthermore, much of the Irons faithful were excited by the prospect of sealing the 26-year-old defender, so this fresh development will not only leave them gutted but perhaps fuming too.

AND in other news, PAI Capital drop exciting claim amid West Ham takeover talks…

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit and Sky Sports regular Danny Mills has warned Tottenham Hotspur fans that they ‘won’t be happy’ if Rafael Benitez is appointed manager after Jose Mourinho’s dismissal.

The Lowdown: Levy eyeing Benitez

As revealed by the same outlet, Premier League and general top level experience is growing as a desirable trait for chairman Daniel Levy and co as the board eye Tottenham’s next manager.

This has led the club to set their sights on former Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle boss Benitez (Football Insider), who is also said to be keen on joining Tottenham.

The Latest: Tottenham fans warned over Benitez

However, while he has a glowing CV and a proven track record at the top level, having won the Champions League with Liverpool and Europa League with Chelsea, Mills has warned Spurs fans that they would not be happy if he was appointed manager.

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“Spurs fans have been moaning about the style of play,” the pundit explained to Football Insider.

“Is Rafa’s style of play exciting? No, not really, it’s counter-attacking football. He will defend, as Mourinho did, and then play on the counter-attack using pace in the wide areas.

“People will say ‘Oh, he was great when he was at Liverpool!’ He was, but he was still defensive and played counter-attacking football. He had weapons called Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres. Torres would run over the top and Gerrard would ping an eye of the needle pass 40 or 50 yards right onto his foot and allow him to finish.

“Yes, it’s a big name and you’d expect him to do well but Tottenham fans, if that happens don’t expect to play the ‘Tottenham way’ that we hear about. They won’t be happy about that.”

The Verdict: Mills bang on the money…

What we have heard consistently in the media is Tottenham’s desire to appoint an out-and-out attack-minded manager (The Guardian), with reports also suggesting they want someone young and dynamic.

Alasdair Gold says that the likes of Brendan Rodgers and Graham Potter fit into this mould (football.london), but the same cannot be said of Benitez.

As explained by Mills, the 61-year-old’s counter-attacking style possibly wouldn’t draw favour with Spurs fans and is arguably more akin to Mourinho’s philosophy, with supporters possibly eager to avoid repeating the same mistake.

In other news: Tottenham favourites to appoint this ‘perfectionist’, find out more here.

Marcus Bent believes that signing Holland’s Euro 2020 star Denzel Dumfries would leave the Goodison Park faithful elated.

The 25-year-old right-back has been a regular for both his country and PSV for the last three years but has only recently caught the eye following his form at the European Championships.

Prior to the Netherlands’ last 16 exit, Dumfries had been one of the standout players of the tournament having scored in their opening two group games, and was also named man-of-the-match in each.

And his performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with Everton joining a long list of sides that are keen on signing him from PSV.

PSV manager Roger Schmidt has already resigned to losing his flying full-back after saying that Dumfries, who has a £15m release clause, is “likely to leave” the Dutch giants this summer.

Some of Europe’s top sides, including Bayern Munich and Inter Milan and are also keen on capturing him this summer, but Bent would love him to end up at Goodison Park.

He exclusively told Football FanCast:

“Speaking to Everton, they said he’s a terrific player, but clubs don’t sell their players when the Euros are on because they can put x number of pounds onto their player. Terrific, quick, pacey, he’s a rocket.

“If the club could get him on the back of what he’s done or whether they could attract him to Goodison is a different point entirely, but if you could get him, the fans would be elated.”

Many Everton fans have been left reacting to some transfer news on Aaron Ramsey.

As per Calciomercato, it now seems ‘increasingly likely’ that the central midfield player will sign for the Goodison Park faithful in the January window.

Of course, Ramsey is very experienced in the Premier League, having scored no fewer than 40 goals and made a further 51 assists in 262 games in total (Transfermarkt), but he is 30 years of age now, and so past his peak.

The Juventus ace has also had injury problems throughout his career, and so signing him would be a bit of a risk, but one that could well turn out to be worth it at least in the short term.

Everton fans on Ramsey transfer news

These supporters of the Merseyside club gave some fairly mixed reactions as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one Toffee going on to claim that Ramsey is a ‘quality’ player:

“What a signing this would be! Him, Doucoure and Allan would be a fantastic midfield”

Credit: @CursedToffees

“As a Welshman I may be biased but when fit Ramsey is quality. He would be an asset, works hard just has had bad luck with injuries. I can understand people’s dislike of the signing though because of age, wages and injury history – but If Rafa wants him then I would trust!”

Credit: @Zatherton3

“Pay as you play contract I’m hoping!!”

Credit: @ToffeeTipp74

“It would be really stupid if we went down this road again”

Credit: @efc_ke

“Don’t the club ever learn?”

Credit: @Twoblue68

“No thanks. Too old, too injury prone and would want a huge salary. Let him leach off NUFC”

Credit: @TomFox87

In other news, find out what ‘unbelievable deal’ EFC could pull off here!

Celtic have been dealt a major injury blow regarding the return of Christopher Jullien.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by 67hailhail, Ange Postecoglou revealed that the centre-back, who has not featured for Celtic since a 2-0 win over Dundee United back in December of last year due to a knee injury, will not be back in first-team action until after the next international break in mid-November.

Speaking over the weekend, the 56-year-old manager said: “I expect between now and the international break for him to continue to work hard and then post-international break hopefully it’s a little bit of a target for him to become available.”

Fans will be gutted

Considering the fact that it was previously reported Jullien could be in line for a return to Celtic action after the October international break, the news that the Bhoys looks set to be without the influential defender for another month is sure to have left fans of the club gutted.

Indeed, following his £7.2m move from FC Toulouse back in 2019, the £18k-per-week man has already proven that he is an extremely important part of the Celtic side, scoring seven goals and registering two assists over his 47 appearances in all competitions during his debut season – playing a key role in the Bhoys clinching a domestic treble.

The £4.95m-rated defender continued his fantastic form over his nine Scottish Premiership fixtures prior to his injury last season, helping his side keep five clean sheets, scoring one goal and providing one assist, as well as making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.2 tackles, 3.6 clearances and winning 6.9 duels per game.

These returns saw the 28-year-old who Neil Lennon dubbed a “brave” player average a SofaScore match rating of 7.43, ranking him as the club’s second-best performer in the league last time out.

As such, it is clear for all to see that Jullien’s continued absence is a major blow for Postecoglou, who will undoubtedly be hoping to get the centre-back up and running before the club’s crucial Europa League tie against Bayer Leverkusen on November 25.

In other news: Forget Taylor: Ange must sanction Celtic swoop for 20 y/o dubbed “one of the best”

Leeds United are set to face stiff competition for the signature of Valerenga goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson this summer.

What’s the story?

According to The Mirror, the 20-year-old is also wanted by a fellow Premier League side and La Liga outfit, although neither club was actually named in the report.

Marcelo Bielsa needs him

The Whites are in the market for a new shot-stopper after former number two Kiko Casilla joined Elche on loan earlier in the window, so bringing in someone to provide cover and competition for Illan Meslier is necessary.

Klaesson has been on Victor Orta’s radar since he made his first team debut at Valerenga nearly two years ago.

The youngster’s impressive performances helped the Oslo club to finish third last year in Norway’s Tippeligaen last season, and he was recently rewarded for his standout displays with a call-up into the senior international setup for the first time.

His continued good form has seen speculation over Klaesson’s future grow, but the 6 ft 2 beast appears to be relaxed about all the talk over his potential next move.

He told Norway’s Nettavisen: “To be honest with you, I have not heard anything about interested clubs. I have one-and-a-half years left on my contract with Valerenga, and I am committed to that.

“I have not given any signals that I want to leave, so I am doing well at Valerenga. There are a lot of enquiries of different levels of seriousness, so then my agent filters out what is nonsense. I, therefore, only look at what he informs me about, of specific offers.”

Whether Leeds make a concrete offer for Klaesson remains to be seen, but Bielsa certainly needs to sign another goalkeeper before the new season starts following Casilla’s departure.

The Scandinavian has already made 55 appearances for his boyhood club, keeping a respectable 13 clean sheets despite his tender years, highlighting his potential.

Adding another promising, highly-rated young keeper to Leeds’ ranks would be an exciting prospect for the West Yorkshire outfit, although it seems as though Bielsa may have to move quickly in order to secure his man as interest in him mounts.

In other news…Leeds must act swiftly to land £13.5m-rated magician, he’d be an upgrade on Klich